Aston Villa midfielder Youri Tielemans was in action for Belgium against France on Monday night.
Tielemans has played a crucial role at the start of this campaign for Aston Villa. The 27-year-old has pulled the strings in the heart of midfield alongside Amadou Onana and is now one of the first names on the team sheet for Unai Emery.
The Belgian maestro has also seen his influence grow on the international stage, with Tielemans captaining the side for Nations League clashes against Italy and now France.
While Belgium secured a 2-2 draw against the Italians, they were beaten 2-1 by France on Monday night and the Villa man unfortunately played a role in their downfall.
- READ MORE: How Aston Villa’s Lucas Digne & Youri Tielemans faired against each other as France beat Belgium
Belgium media react to Youri Tielemans display vs France
Belgium were looking for their first win over France in 43 years and they took the initiative in the opening stages.
Striker Lois Openda was upended by William Saliba in the box and this handed Tielemans the chance to strike first from the penalty spot but he hit the ball over the crossbar.
This was a flashpoint in the game that saw events turn in France’s favour, and they went on to win 2-1, with Villa teammate Lucas Digne assisting Randal Kolo Muani’s winner.
Despite missing the penalty during a key point in the match, Belgium outlet Voetbal Primeur were still positive about his performance, handing him a 7/10 rating.
“Against Italy one of the pawns who could look back on a good game. The new captain of the Red Devils also played a good game of football against France. He was there several times, was also dangerous with the ball several times and also caused Tchouaméni to receive a red card. When it really had to be, at the penalty kick, he shot high over.”
Walfoot were also positive about aspects of his display but acknowledged that conceding the penalty ruined the match, resulting in a 5/10 rating.
“His missed penalty ruined a match that was still very decent overall. Present, precise, he took his responsibilities and forced Tchouaméni’s red card.”
Youri Tielemans will play a starring role in Fulham vs Aston Villa
Missing that penalty against France will eat away at him but upon returning to Bodymoor Heath, Tielemans can recapture his early season form as Aston Villa travel to Fulham.
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The Villans are on the cusp of the top four at this early stage and Emery will want to build on their strong start this weekend.
Tielemans – who possesses an incredible passing range and ability to dictate the flow of a game – will be a crucial player for the Spaniard against the Cottagers.
Fulham have made a bright start under Marco Silva and will see beating Villa as an opportunity to cause a bit of an upset however, the visitors will have something to say about that.
